TRAVERSE CITY — Workshop Brewing is set to reopen Saturday, Jan. 17, after being closed since the start of the year for renovations.
In a Jan. 15 news release from owner Amber Carr, the Traverse City brewery at 221 Garland St. is returning to its roots with a refreshed look, new brewing leadership and a new food menu.
Carr, a Mancelona native who took ownership of the brewery in April 2025, said she has focused on “comfort, quality, and inclusion” while working to update the experience for long-time customers and newcomers.
“I want it to feel like you’re walking into a 1970’s basement bar,” Carr said of the new interior. “Like the kind your cool Uncle had that he’d sometimes let you throw parties in.”
Carr said the interior changes are part of a broader brand refresh intended to create a “fresh retro look and feel.”
“At the heart of the change is a refocus on our core commitment to nature, community, and craft,” Carr said. “That’s been the motto of The Workshop for over 13 years. I think somewhere along the way that message got lost, but I’m committed to bringing those tenants into every decision we make.”
Carr said the brewery has also added Nate Penney, formerly of Stormcloud Brewing, as head brewer. Carr said Penney’s focus on quality and innovation was a key part of the reopening.
Carr said longtime customers should not expect favorite beers to disappear, adding that Penney has been brewing at Workshop Brewing for months and said he did not plan to change longstanding offerings.
The brewery also plans to unveil a new food menu focused on sharable bites with a Polynesian twist.
The grand reopening party is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 17, at the brewery in Traverse City’s Warehouse District. Doors open at noon for those seeking a quieter experience, and programming begins in the evening. Starting at 6 p.m., the brewery will host several workshops including fairy hair, henna and permanent jewelry, and local band Hot Flat Pop is set to perform at 7 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to fill out a survey to receive 5% off their bill.
Workshop Brewing was founded in 2013 in the Warehouse District in Traverse City and has been part of the local craft beer scene since then.